Tim Cook Confirms iOS 26 is Apple’s Most Popular Developer Beta Ever, Achieving Record Installations Prior to Public Release Despite Mixed Reactions to Liquid Glass Redesign

In June, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 during the WWDC event, garnering significant attention for its innovative design. This iteration introduces the Liquid Glass redesign, marking a notable advancement for Apple, as it extends across iOS, macOS, and other products. The contemporary design has resonated well with both developers and consumers, leading to widespread excitement. During the Q3 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 beta versions are “by far the most popular developer betas we’ve had.”

Liquid Glass Design Fuels Unprecedented Developer Beta Adoption

Cook highlighted that the remarkable level of interest signifies the “great momentum building for our platforms.”Although Apple did not disclose specific installation figures, the CEO noted that both developer and public beta versions became available shortly after WWDC, leading to a surge in interest. Notably, Apple’s decision two years ago to eliminate the $99 developer fee enabled more individuals to access the betas for free, significantly increasing the number of developers willing to try the latest iOS 26 beta.

The overarching factor contributing to this year’s spike in installations is undeniably the new Liquid Glass interface. This design introduces a stunning aesthetic characterized by transparent, glass-like visuals, enhancing the user experience across all platforms. By delivering a cohesive design language, the updates to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 have captivated developers and consumers alike, encouraging early installations prior to the public release.

Moreover, iPadOS 26 marks a revolutionary shift from its predecessor, iOS 28. This update transitions the iPad closer to functioning as a full-fledged computer, featuring a macOS-like menu bar for streamlined access to controls with a single swipe. The revamped windowing system, accessible on all iPad models including the iPad mini, serves as a significant productivity enhancement, further driving the interest in iPadOS 26 among developers.

As part of the release strategy, Apple recently made public beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 available, consequently boosting the overall installation numbers. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the exciting new features and improvements introduced in these software versions.

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